Weather -We will practice in LIGHT rain when temperature does not make it likely to be unhealthy. This is not an exact science, just know that light rain does not automatically cancel. -Any lightning or thunder will end practice and we will await pick up inside door number 7 at UMS under the "bridge" near the Aquatic Center.
Varsity & Top 10 Spots Some races are divided by race distance (1 or 2 mile), others by grade level (6th,7th, or 8th graders), but some are divided by a combination of Varsity, Top 10, Junior Varsity, and Open races. Varsity refers to the "fastest" 7 girls and 7 boys on the team. Except for during the State series, everybody still gets to compete regardless of designation. There are many ways to choose top 7 or 10 runners from the team. In an effort to be fair, consistent, and not let one exceptional (bad or good) race throw us off, we have used the following system for several years:
every race time for every runner will be entered in a spreadsheet
after each race, coach will identify each runner's three fastest times and average them
runners will be ranked varsity or Top 10 on the sheet based on being among the fastest 7 or 10 AVERAGE times
Varsity runners can and DO change throughout the season
If you have any questions, concerns, or spot any errors (there are a lot of times/kids) please contact Coach Maggie!
Drop off and Pick Up All season events (practices and buses to meets) meet at the front of the Aquatic Center by UMS. Arrive on time!
Practices before school begins: bags, etc. can be kept in coach's vehicle.
After school practices: drop off materials in Mr. Helmick's office
Practice ends at 5:30 on Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Friday, and at 4:30 on Wed.
Athletes may go home with parents or approved guardians. Or they may, with your permission, walk, bike, or ride bus home on their own.
Please be respectful of coaches' time- if your child is picked up, arrive on time. Repeated tardy pick ups will result in potential suspension from practices or meets.
Absences/Conflicts Absence
Whenever possible let coaches know- via email- ahead of time if you know you will miss practice or a meet
If you are sick or have an unexpected absence, please have parent email coach to be excused
Three or more unexcused absences will result in suspension from the team
Other Sports and Clubs
Do NOT sign up for SPLASH during the first session- it will conflict with almost every practice
For those wishing to do other sports, we have always been able to find a balance in the past- please make plans when the seasons start with coach.
Same goes for clubs and other lessons- let coaches know about these things, and we should not have any problem
Meet Absences- If you are going to miss a meet, coaches MUST know about it at least a week in advance, barring absolute emergencies. TWO unexcused MEET ABSENCES will result in suspension.
Eligibility Paperwork to practice:
Physical (athletic or school with box checked "okay for sports")- Please make a copy for coach if possible
Athletic Participation Card must be turned in!
The Athletic Fee is $50 for the CC season, payable to UMS.
Grades and Behavior:
No "F's" on weekly report
"F's" on report mean you cannot compete for the week following the grade and/or until the grade comes up
If you believe the grade is in error, YOU may POLITELY take it up with the teacher. If the teacher emails me that it was in ERROR (not it is up now), you may participate
We will discuss team behavior norms as a group during the first week of practice. Athletes who violate those norms or whose behavior causes risk to other athletes will face consequences up to and including suspension or expulsion from program.
If you treat others with basic respect and act with responsibility- behavior should not be an issue!